Former New England Patriots defensive tackle Ron Brace has died, The Springfield Republican confirmed Sunday.Brace, 29, was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft. He played in 39 games with the team before being released in December 2012.Brace grew up in Springfield and attended Burncoat High School in Worcester, according to the Republican. He then played for Boston College.The cause of his death was not released.